Canton is pulling its horses to the starting gate early for this year's Kentucky Derby, placing bets on a strong finish in a local run for the roses.

Never mind Churchill Downs in Louisville, though. This race's payout comes right here in Michigan.

The Canton Chamber of Commerce has chosen a Derby theme for its 28th annual dinner and auction, the biggest fundraiser of the year to support Canton's thriving business community.

"It really just continues to help us fulfill our mission to serve the business community and provide our businesses with cutting-edge programs they need to network and grow their businesses," chamber President Thomas Paden said.

This year's event, "Kentucky Derby: A Night at the Races," has a starting gate time of 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Burton Manor in Livonia. Tickets cost $75 per person and include an open bar, a strolling dinner, entertainment and an opportunity to become involved in live auctions and raffles.

For tickets or more information, call the chamber at 734-453-4040.

Canton's party comes two weeks before the actual Kentucky Derby, but every 30 minutes throughout the evening it will feature video footage of past horse races displayed on a big screen as attendees cheer for their picks to cross the finish line first.

Cash prizes will be awarded for win, place and show as the races unfold.

Paden said live auction items include jewelry, condominium time shares and sporting event tickets, among numerous other prizes. The chamber also is raffling off a pair of airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States.

Raffle tickets are $5 each and may be bought now from the chamber, which has offices at 45525 Hanford, west of Canton Center.

Paden declined to say how much money the chamber hopes to raise during the dinner and auction, but he said the organization depends on the fundraiser to pay for programs and services for hundreds of businesses.

"Our chamber depends on its resources to subsidize important programming, services and educational development," he said. "Funds raised from the auction are crucial in maintaining our mission to stimulate positive business growth in the Canton community."

Paden also commended local businesses who donate prizes for the auction.

"The area businesses have been extremely generous with their auction donations in the past and we know that we can count on their generosity this year as well," Paden said.